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LeDroit Park Community Guide An area rich in history, architecture and civil rights.

Updated 3/20/2023

History and Flavor

Ensconced southeast of Howard University and steps from Shaw, LeDroit Park is one of the most architecturally rich and historically exciting DC areas.

The desirable location and growing commercial options and amenities make this one of the most exciting neighborhoods in the District to live, work, and play.

LeDroit Park was initially built as a private, gated community beginning in 1873. The architect James Gill created the original designs for the rowhouses, houses, and mansions.  Many of his homes survive into the present day.

These highly prized and distinctive homes were designed in Italian villas, Gothic and Empire styles, and other variations. The entire neighborhood was then enclosed with a fence, gate, and guardhouse.

According to historical accounts, the fence’s purpose was to separate the residences of the area and create a whites-only neighborhood. Guards were initially employed to enforce this policy. The fence and the policy became a focus of community unrest, and the fence was removed in 1888, and the policy was overturned.

After that, the neighborhood began to integrate and became the home of many prominent African-American citizens. The entire area is on the National Register of Historic Places today and is part of the Heritage Trail.

Following the decline of the neighborhood in the late 20th century, the 2000s brought a resurgence and revitalization. Many homes were restored, and commercial offerings, including a new Whole Foods, were added.

In addition, several older commercial buildings were renovated to create new commercial and residential spaces. Best of all, many of the original Gill homes have survived and been restored.

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • Flash– International tunes & American bites at a small dance club with a photo booth & edgy design.
  • The Howard Theatre– The Howard Theatre is a historic theater located at 620 T Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. Opened in 1910, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
  • 9:30 Club– A nightclub and concert venue in Washington, D.C. In 2018 the 9:30 Club was named one of the ten best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone, and in 2019 the club was named “Venue of the Decade” by VenuesNow.
  • Rabaut Park– Stone-paved pocket sanctuary for strolling & sitting amid landscaped greenery.
  • The Park at LeDroit– Quaint green space offering a playground, benches & walking paths, plus a fenced-in area for dogs.
  • Common Good City Farm– Common Good City Farm aims to create a vibrant, informed, and well-nourished community through urban farming.
  • Gage Eckington Dog ParkA great place to take your four-legged friends.
  • S Street Park– This compact, the fenced-in dog run is made from artificial turf & features benches for human visitors.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • DC USA– DC USA is an 890,000-square-foot retail development in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. A Washington City Paper poll named DC USA the “Best Designed Retail Space” of 2009. 
  • CityCenterDC– A mixed-use development consisting of two condominium buildings, two rental apartment buildings, two office buildings, a luxury hotel, and a public park in downtown Washington, D.C. It encompasses 2,000,000 square feet and covers more than five city blocks.
  • Lettie Gooch– Simply appointed boutique featuring funky women’s dresses, tops, rompers & colorful jewelry.
  • The Royal– This hip all-day eatery offers Latin snacks, wood-fire-grilled dishes & shaved-ice cocktails.
  • The Red Hen– Creative wood-fired Italian eats in an airy, rustic-industrial space with an open kitchen & large bar.
  • 1914 by KolbenVietnamese street food, teas & coffees served in a casual restaurant with quirky decor.
  • Hazel– Chef-driven New American fare served on artisan tableware in an artful interior & funky patio.
  • Uproar Lounge & Restaurant– Lively tri-level gay bar offering small plates & sushi in a relaxed atmosphere with a rooftop deck.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

Florida Ave NW & T St NW– Bus stop

4th St NW & T St NW– Bus stop

Rhode Island Ave NW & 2nd St NW– Bus stop

Rhode Island Ave NW & New Jersey Ave NW– Bus stop

Median Home Value

$790,000 as of 2023

Renters: 66%

Owners: 34%

Demographics

Population 5,007

Median household income –  $92,207

Median age: 32

Families with children – 18%

High school diploma or equivalent – 13%

College Degree: 78%

58% African American

31% White

4% Hispanic

3% Asian

4% Other

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